christmas

for christmas this year, we simplified a lot.  we are blessed with parents who are gracious and flexible and who were willing to work with us in making sure the boys weren't swimming in new toys come december 26th.  as a guideline, we went with the rhyme "something you want. something you need. something to wear.  something to read."  thus each boy got a toy, some clothes a book or two and something for school next year.  and then steve and i built them a hobbit house (or rather, steve built... i just decorated and helped out here and there.)  the boys love it and play outside all the time!